California man says he was blackout drunk when he lost $500,000

A California man who lost $500,000 in Las Vegas is suing the casino for his losses, claiming he was blackout drunk.

Mark Johnston, 52, claims the Downtown Grand loaned him money and served him drinks when he was visibly intoxicated, The Associated Press reported.

Nevada state law bans casinos from allowing obviously intoxicated patrons to gamble.

"I feel like they picked my pockets," Johnston told Las Vegas TV station KSNV. "I feel like they took a drunk guy...like a drunk guy walking down the street, and you reach in his pockets and grab all his money."

The state Gaming Control Board is investigating.

Downtown Grand officials would not comment on Johnston's lawsuit, but did tell the AP they are countersuing Johnston for trying to shirk his gambling debts.

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